MP Urges Government to Implement National Ban on 'Sound Horeg'

Eka Widodo, a member of Commission II of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), has urged the government to implement a national ban on ‘sound horeg’ activities following the deaths of three residents in several incidents related to these activities in East Java. Eka stated that public safety must be the government’s primary consideration when determining policy.

“I urge the Ministry of Home Affairs to issue an order to local governments to implement a ban on ‘sound horelag’ activities. This ban must apply nationally,” he said on Friday (4/9/2026).

The legislator, who specialises in regional autonomy, stated that the Ministry of Home Affairs needs to issue a policy that can serve as a guideline for local governments in maintaining security, order, and public safety regarding ‘sound horeg’ activities. According to him, such a step does not mean the government is anti-entertainment.

However, every form of entertainment must continue to respect the rights of others and must not cause disturbances, losses, or threats to public safety.

“Any form of entertainment is actually permissible, provided it does not disturb or harm the community. ‘Sound horeg’ has clearly caused disturbances and losses for the public. Therefore, activities such as this must be prohibited,” he said.

At least three people died in incidents related to ‘sound horeg’ in East Java throughout August 2026. The East Java Provincial Government previously established regulations regarding the use of loudspeakers through a joint circular issued by the Governor of East Java, the Regional Police Chief of East Java, and the Commander of the V/Brawijaya Military District, published in August 2025.

These regulations include provisions for noise levels, the vehicles used to transport loudspeaker equipment, the timing and routes of activities, licensing, and several prohibitions regarding the use of loudspeakers.

The Regional Secretary of East Java, Adhy Karyono, stated that the provincial government will conduct further consolidation with stakeholders and the regional leadership coordination forum (forkopimda) to evaluate the implementation of these rules.

“We need to conduct further consolidation with stakeholders and forkopimda to ensure that if such violations occur, we can enforce the regulations again,” he said in Surabaya on Wednesday (2/9/2026).